# Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing > Creating urban design from scratch on complex terrain can often feel like a big challenge. So, in order to gather a deeper understanding of the site and quickly explore different design possibilities, we can use digital tools, parametric modelling, and an algorithmic approach. T… ## At a glance - Format: On-demand course - Price: €102.00 (list €120.00) - Difficulty: Beginner - Duration: 8 Hours - Schedule: Jan 31 & Feb 1, 2026 - Instructors: Ognjen Graovac - Categories: Architectural Design, 3D Modeling, Structural Analysis - Software: Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, Ladybug - Students: 74 - Rating: 5.0 / 5 - Canonical: https://paacademy.com/course/algorithmic-urban-design-in-grasshopper-data-driven-site-analysis-massing - Enroll: https://paacademy.com/course/algorithmic-urban-design-in-grasshopper-data-driven-site-analysis-massing --- ## About this course Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing is a course that teaches architects to build custom, data-driven site analysis and generative massing workflows entirely in Grasshopper. Across two days, students build four analysis methods, sunlight exposure, terrain slope, vegetation density, and visibility, using Ladybug for daylight analysis, then integrate that data into a parametric model that generates urban massing scenarios and prioritizes building, park, and square locations. The course is Beginner level and requires Rhino 8 and Grasshopper pre-installed, with basic familiarity with both expected. ## What you'll learn - Creative algorithmic thinking and problem-solving - Analyzing complex terrain geometry (Sunlight + Slope + Vegetation + Visibility) - How to create your own custom analysis method from scratch - Data-driven design strategies - Generative approach to urban design - Tips & tricks for creating efficient and organized Grasshopper definitions **** ## Methodology The workshop will focus entirely on creating algorithms within Grasshopper. This includes creating different methods for site analysis and a parametric model for generating urban design. The input geometry will be available in Rhino, but we will not cover basic 3D modelling techniques there. Therefore, it is expected that the student is familiar with Rhino and basic Grasshopper concepts. This workshop will focus on creative algorithmic thinking and problem-solving in Grasshopper. The algorithms for site analysis and urban design will be created from scratch. You will learn how to set up your own custom analysis method, which will allow you to extend this workflow after the workshop based on your own preferences. Each student will work alone. We will start with the same terrain for input geometry, but the students will be encouraged to use the same algorithm for different site locations. By the end of the workshop, each student will have a complete parametric definition capable of generating multiple urban design scenarios based on environmental data and design priorities. ### Program Day 1 – Introduction and Terrain Analysis - Presentation and Concept Overview - Overview of the workshop and objectives. Explanation of key concepts for creating necessary algorithms and preparing for parametric analysis. - Grasshopper Introduction and SetupUnderstanding the interface and workflow. Step-by-step setup for terrain analysis. - Development of Terrain Analysis MethodsCreation of four different analysis methods. Practical demonstrations and explanations for each method. - Application and ExperimentationRunning analyses on sample terrains. Adjusting parameters and experimenting with settings. - Visualization and CustomizationApplying color gradients and visual styles. Developing custom styles for improved readability and presentation. - Outcome by End of Day 1A fully functional Grasshopper definition capable of analyzing any terrain. - HomeworkContinue experimenting with parameters, settings, and visualization styles. Explore ways to refine analysis speed and precision. Day 2 – Data Integration and Urban Design - Working with Large Data SetsUsing outputs from different analysis methods. Handling data for urban design purposes. - Prioritization and Shape ExtractionSetting priorities to identify relevant shapes for buildings, parks, and squares. - Parametric Urban Design DevelopmentCompleting the remainder of the parametric model. Integrating multiple datasets to generate complex urban layouts. - Exploration of Design SolutionsComparing alternative outcomes based on input parameters. Observing how variations affect the overall design and spatial organization. - Outcome by End of Day 2A complete parametric urban design model ready for further development or presentation. ## Requirements - The installation process is not part of the workshop. The student should have Rhino 8 and Grasshopper already installed. - We will also use the Ladybug plugin for Grasshopper to perform daylight analysis. - Basic familiarity with Rhino and Grasshopper concepts is expected ## Curriculum ### Session 1 - Introduction + PAACADEMY Updates (05:37) - Algorithmic Urban Site Analysis (48:09) - Terrain Slope Analysis Workflow (36:01) - Greenery Proximity Analysis Workflow (57:50) - Grasshopper Analysis Tools (39:11) - Ladybug Sunlight Analysis Workflow (47:33) - Grasshopper Visibility Analysis Workflow (55:50) - Urban Analysis Data Overlap (38:21) ### Session 2 - Parametric Urban Block Generation (51:27) - Parametric Urban Plot Generation (56:57) - Projecting Plots To Terrain (29:02) - Parametric Urban Data Scoring (57:56) - Extruding 3D Building Models (56:33) - Urban Tree Preservation Analysis (48:11) ## FAQ ### I have used Rhino but only know the basics of Grasshopper. Is this workshop too advanced for me? Not at all. While basic familiarity with the interface is expected, the workshop is designed to guide participants step-by-step. The focus is on "logic" and "design thinking". All specific algorithms for the site analysis and massing are built from scratch during the sessions, ensuring everyone can follow along. ### Do I need to be a programmer or an expert to understand the 'Algorithmic' part of this course? No coding background is required. The term "algorithmic" here simply refers to a sequence of geometric operations used to solve design problems. The workshop focuses on creative problem-solving and on translating design intuition into a digital workflow, making it accessible to architects and designers who want to work smarter. ### What software do I need to have ready before the workshop begins? Participants need Rhino 8 installed on their computer. The Ladybug plugin is also required for the analysis. Software installation is not covered during the session, so having these tools ready beforehand is essential. ### Can the analysis tools we build and workflows be used for other projects, or are they specific to the workshop's site? The tools are designed to be fully reusable. A key objective of the workshop is to teach how to create a flexible "definition" (script) that can accept different terrain geometries. By the end of the course, participants will possess a versatile tool capable of analyzing and generating concepts for future projects on different sites. ### Is this workshop limited to data analysis, or does it also cover the design concepts? It bridges the gap between both. While the process begins with data analysis (sunlight, slope, visibility), the goal is design generation. The data serves as the foundation for the "Generative Design" phase, creating optimal building positions and urban layouts based on the environmental factors analyzed earlier.